Translations of Rig Veda Suktas 33-121 by M.P. Pandit

HYMN 116

Rishi : KAKSHIVAN Deity: ASHVINS

1. I trim like grass my lauds to the Nasatyas; I urge them as the wind does the clouds; they who brought a wife for youthful Vimada in their speeding car⁷¹

2. Borne by strong and rapid steeds, urged excellently by the incitement of the Gods, your stallion ass, O Nasatyas, won that thousand in Yama’s contest with prize.

3. Ashvins, Tugra left Bhujyu in the sea as the dying man leaves his riches. But ye carried him in boats of your own, traversing the mid-region, floating over the Waters.

The annamaya purusha leaves his son, pranamaya purusha, in the Waters of Life-Force - unwillingly as the dying man parts with his riches.

4. Nasatyas, for three nights and three days ye carried Bhujyu in your three rapid, winging cars of hundred wheels, with six steeds, along the dry bed of the Ocean, to the shore of the Waters.

Night and Day: to denote periods of obscurity and illumination.

Three: relating to the three worlds.

5. Ashvins, ye wrought this hero-exploit in the Ocean, without support, without station, without hold, that ye carried Bhujyu to his dwelling, borne in ship with hundred oars.

6. O Ashvins, the white Steed ye gave to Aghashva brings him success for ever. That great gift is praiseworthy; the brave Steed of Pedu is always to be invoked.

7. O leaders, ye gave to praising Kakshivan, of the line of Pajra, various knowledge. Ye poured from the hoof of your powerful steed, as from a cask, a hundred jars of wine.

8. O Ashvins, ye quenched with cold the fires burning, ye gave him nourishing stuff; Atri, cast downward in the cavern, ye restored, with his hosts, to well-being.

9. O Nasatyas, ye raised up the well and made a curved mouth of the base so that abundant riches flowed like water for thirsty Gotama’s drink. It refers to the flow from the Sahasrara whose ’foundation is above.’

10. O Nasatyas, from aged Chyavana ye stripped old age as it were mail; skilful ones, of him left helpless ye prolonged the life and made him husband of youthful maidens.

Maidens: potential unmanifested powers within waiting to be manifested.

11. O Nasatyas, leaders, worthy of praise is that exploit of yours, one to be celebrated, adored and desired by us, when knowing, ye delivered Vandana from the (well) that was visible, like a hidden treasure.

12. Leaders, for gain I proclaim that mighty deed of yours, as the thunder announces rain, when with the horse’s head (provided by ye) Dahyanch, son of Atharvan, spoke to ye of this (Doctrine of Honey).

13. O Nasatyas, guardians of many, accomplishers of (fruits) in the great rite, the wise Vadhrimati invoked ye; ye heard it as it were an order and ye, Ashvins, gave her a son, Hiranyahasta.

14. O Nasatyas, leaders, ye set free the quail from the mouth of the wolf in their struggle. And, guardians of many, ye gave especial vision to the sage praising ye.

15. Vishpala’s⁷²

16. When his father blinded Rijrashva as he gave many a power of sight to the she-wolf, ye Nasatyas, skilful, physicians, gave him who was immobile, eyes to see clearly.

Wolf; Asuric power.

17. The Daughter of the Sun has ascended your car reaching the goal running as it were and all the Gods assented with their hearts. Then were ye, Nasatyas, clothed with glory.

18. When, Ashvins, being invoked, ye, came to the dwelling of Divodasa who had abundant offerings, then your car in service brought splendid riches; and the bull and the porpoise were yoked together.

19. O Nasatyas, bearing wealth with auspicious strength, and life with happy progeny and prowess, one-minded, ye came to Jannu’s progeny, prosperous, carrying the triple daily offering.

Triple: relating to the three worlds.

20. O ageless Nasatyas, ye bore away by night along easy pathways in your all-cleaving car, Jahusha, surrounded all round, and went to the mountains.

21. O Ashvins, ye preserved Vasha for the beauteous thousandfold wealth (multiplying) daily. Showerers, along with Indra, ye destroyed the evil-gloating enemies of Prithusravas.

22. Ye raised the water from the bottom of the well for Shara, son of Richatka, to drink. O Nasatyas, by your powers, ye filled, for the sake of weary Shayu, the barren Cow (with milk).

23. O Nasatyas, with your powers ye restored, like some lost creature, to Vishvaka, son of Krishna, seeking protection and praising ye, his son Vishnapu to his sight.

24. O Ashvins, ye raised up, like Soma in a ladle, Rebha who for ten nights and nine days had lain fettered in cruel bonds, distressed, immersed in waters.

25. O Ashvins, I have declared your deeds. May I be master (of this place), with abundant kine and heroes. May I enjoying long life, with sight, enter old age as a master his house.